Australian shipbuilder Austal has completed work on a massive commercial ferry built at its Henderson shipyard.

The $109m “Express 4”, which the firm says was “built on a budget”, is capable of moving 1000 passengers and 425 cars.

During testing the 109 metre vessel was powered up to a top speed of 47.8 knots (88km/ hour), but the ferry will operate closer to 40 knots when in service.

About 400 Austal employees were put to work on the project from design to fit-out.

It will now begin a 27-day voyage from the Australian Marine Complex to its home port in Odden, Denmark.

Ferry firm Molslinjen will put it into operation running services in the Kattegat Sea in March.